Wednesday, January 7, 2015

I try to help folks with job hunting and resume updating, and there are times when people ask me what a good job skill to learn is. I usually have a range of ideas based on the jobs they're hunting for. Now, I've mostly worked with accounting, finance, audit or IT background folks, but one common trait I found was that they needed help with Microsoft Excel, which ends up being part of my advice for folks asking about job skills. It works great as a spreadsheet, but people use (or at least try to use) it as more. The data is used for analytics, creating dashboards, performing complex calculations, performing simple calculations, and the list goes on. There are times when people create formulas in their spreadsheets, and then leave a company, leaving the new person stumped as to exactly what's happening within the spreadsheet.I have been called an Excel guru occasionally, though I am far from it, but what I've realized is, as corny as it sounds, that knowledge is power. Understanding the basics of Excel, and being able to build upon them makes someone a 'go to' person when people need help. It enhances your skill set and at the same time, you can show off your skills, train new people and grow.While there are other programs that are similar to Excel out there, I think, for the time being, getting trained up in it would be invaluable. The reason I bring this up is because there are a couple of free classes available at the Redmond Library this month, of varying levels. If you have the chance, I'd highly recommend you attend one, or all of them, even if its to brush up on Excel.Redmond Library Computer Class - Microsoft Excel Courses and Times

Level 1 - Wednesday, January 14, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Level 2 - Wednesday, January 21, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Level 2 - Wednesday, January 22, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Level 3 - Wednesday, January 28, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Level 3 - Wednesday, January 29, 2015 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

For more information and to register, go to KCLS Calendar of classes and programs and search for 'Excel' under keywords.